That Time NASA Recycled a Mars Lander

The Phoenix Mars Lander was a unique NASA mission that reused components from previous missions, including the cancelled 2001 Mars Surveyor and parts from Spirit and Opportunity. It successfully landed on Mars on May 25, 2008, using a radar system adapted from fighter jets to measure altitude and velocity. The mission aimed to search for water on Mars, and it achieved this by using a robotic arm with motors tested from previous missions. Phoenix discovered evidence of water ice and calcium carbonate in Martian soil, demonstrating NASA's ability to conduct planetary science on a budget by repurposing existing technology.

What was the primary mission goal of the Phoenix Mars Lander?

• To explore the Martian atmosphere

• To map the Martian surface

• To study Martian volcanoes

• To search for signs of water on Mars

What was unique about the radar system used by the Phoenix Lander?

• It was solar-powered

• It was developed specifically for the Phoenix mission

• It was originally designed for fighter jets

• It was the first radar system used on Mars

Why did the Phoenix Lander's radar system require additional testing?

• It was a new technology

• It was larger than previous systems

• It needed to adapt to Martian weather

• It had to handle the heat shield jettison

What evidence did the Phoenix Lander find that suggested the presence of liquid water on Mars?

• High levels of oxygen

• Signs of volcanic activity

• Traces of methane

• Calcium carbonate in the soil

How did NASA manage to conduct the Phoenix mission on a budget?

• By limiting the number of scientific instruments

• By reducing the mission duration

• By reusing and repurposing existing technology

• By using solar panels